Teacher Shortage

There has been a stark decrease in the number of college students entering the field of education. The NJ Policy Perspective quotes that ten years ago 5,000 students were seeking education degrees. The number is now roughly 3,000.  Teacher shortages are severe in math, science, bilingual education and special education.   

Another factor contributing to the NJ teacher shortage is an outdated law from 2011 stating teachers who teach in NJ must live in NJ.  This is especially problematic for towns near the state line, but subsequently affects our entire state.  Bill S2181, of which Declan O'Scanlon is a co-sponsor, has been sitting on the legislative floor for over a year without being passed.  Why?  We need to be asking our elected officials. 

Little Silver remains as a competitive employer, however the effects of these shortages has certainly been felt.  Please refer to this page for updates about the teacher shortage, and legislation we can support as a community. 

July 11, 2023:  NJ.com article about bills to lift residency requirement

March 5, 2024:  NJ Spotlight article on new legislation 

March 12, 2024:  Chalkbeat 

April 11, 2024:  NJSBA article on DOE initiatives to help teachers 

May 9, 2024:  Bill to lift residency requirement is passed in a committee meeting 

Legislative Update! (November, 2025)   Bill S2181  has been passed by the state Senate! If you want to express your support for lifting the requirement for NJ teachers to live in the state of NJ, you can continue to let your legislators know.  Here is the contact information you need!